The Method of Thermoelectric Energy Generations Based on the Axial and Radial Flux Electromagnetic Inductions*

The traditional thermoelectric energy conversion techniques are explained in detail in terms of the axial flux electromagnetic (AFE) and the radial flux electromagnetic (RFE) inductions, and applications to heat engines for the energy-harvesting technologies are discussed. The idea is induced by the analysis of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD) for a nonequilibrium irreversible thermodynamic system of heat engines (a drinking bird, a low temperature Stirling engine), resulting in thermoelectric energy generation different from conventional heat engines. The mechanism of thermoelectric energy conversion can be categorized as the axial flux generator (AFG) and the radial flux generator (RFG). The axial flux generator is helpful for low mechanoelectric energy conversion and activations of waste heat from macroscopic energy generators, such as wind, geothermal, thermal, nuclear power plants and heat-dissipation lines, and the device contributes to solving environmental problems to maintain clean and sustainable energy as one of the energy harvesting technologies.

Thermoelectric Stirling Engine (TEG-Stirling Engine) Based on the Analysis of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD)

The thermoelectric energy conversion technique by employing the Disk-Magnet Electromagnetic Induction (DM-EMI) is examined in detail, and possible applications to heat engines as one of the energy-harvesting technologies are discussed. The idea is induced by the analysis of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD) for a nonequilibrium irreversible thermodynamic system of heat engines, such as a drinking bird and a low temperature Stirling engine, resulting in thermoelectric energy generation different from conventional heat engines. The current thermoelectric energy conversion with DM-EMI can be applied to wide ranges of machines and temperature differences. The mechanism of DM-EMI energy converter is categorized as the axial flux generator (AFG), which is the reason why the technology is applicable to sensitive thermoelectric conversions. On the other hand, almost all the conventional turbines use the radius flux generator to extract huge electric power, which uses the radial flux generator (RFG). The axial flux generator is helpful for a low mechanoelectric energy conversion and activations of waste heat from macroscopic energy generators such as wind, geothermal, thermal, nuclear power plants and heat-dissipation lines. The technique of DM-EMI will contribute to solving environmental problems to maintain clean and sustainable energy as one of the energy harvesting technologies.

Effects of nanostructure on clean energy: big solutions gained from small features

The increasing energy consumption and environmental concerns have driven the development of costeffective, high-efficiency clean energy. Advanced functional nanomaterials and relevant nanotechnologies are playing a crucial role and showing promise in resolving some energy issues. In this view, we focus on recent advances of functional nanomaterials in clean energy applications, including solar energy conversion, water splitting, photodegradation, electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and thermoelectric conversion, which have attracted considerable interests in the regime of clean energy.